Disability Living Allowance State Pension and Winter Fuel Payment

Muttleythefrog

MouldyOldDough said:

Next - "means tested" state pensions....
Just you wait and see..... 

I doubt it.. but let's hope so

Newly_retired

It is worth checking with your your supplier to see if you are eligible for Warm Home Discount, by reason of being on a disability benefit. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Newly_retired said:

It is worth checking with your your supplier to see if you are eligible for Warm Home Discount, by reason of being on a disability benefit. 

Unless in Scotland, one has to be in receipt of a means-tested benefit and live in a qualifying property.

Still work checking though anyway.  Some suppliers may have additional help on top of the obligated schemes.

[Deleted User]

sammyjammy said:

I don't know but I would imagine if the answer is no you don't qualify its because they would say if you need heating over and above the norm then thats what your DLA payment is for.

Although I understand what you say, sammyjammy,  my DLA payments for care and mobility do not  nearly "cover" my supported housing rent/expenses.  Even so I know I have much to be thankful for.  I am grateful not to have any significant debt but I only heat one room - it's not really enough but it is how I manage.

I am in the same position as one of my close neighbours:  Just above the limit for being eligible for means tested help but feel I am "lucky" and grateful to be in this Council owned housing.

I am in Scotland and I have just applied for the Warm Home Discount, Broader Group Scotland.  Octopus Energy's own criteria for this allows applications for people on low income and disability benefit criteria.  I seem to be eligible (well under the maximum annual income allowed) and have been eligible in previous years.  The big difference this time is that , unless there is a Government change of mind, tthere is now no Winter Fuel Allowance to help.

poppy12345

[Deleted User] said:

sammyjammy said:

I don't know but I would imagine if the answer is no you don't qualify its because they would say if you need heating over and above the norm then thats what your DLA payment is for.

Although I understand what you say, sammyjammy,  my DLA payments for care and mobility do not  nearly "cover" my supported housing rent/expenses.  

Are you claiming housing benefit for help with your rent? 

Kim_13

beanielou said:

My understanding is no.  The only 'gateway' benefit is to be Pension Credit to be able to get WFP.

That's what I'd have said - given that other means tested benefits cease to be payable at pension age (e.g. UC.) Them communicating it as Pension Credit and other means tested benefits has muddied the water, when presumably the only exception might be a mixed age couple (is it UC until the second reaches pension age and then pension credit afterwards?)

poppy12345

Kim_13 said:

beanielou said:

My understanding is no.  The only 'gateway' benefit is to be Pension Credit to be able to get WFP.

That's what I'd have said - given that other means tested benefits cease to be payable at pension age (e.g. UC.) Them communicating it as Pension Credit and other means tested benefits has muddied the water, when presumably the only exception might be a mixed age couple (is it UC until the second reaches pension age and then pension credit afterwards?)

There are still some mixed aged couples claiming Income Related ESA. If the partner is under state pension age and they are the main claimant of the ESA then it can continue. This would qualify the person of SPA to qualify for WFP.

[Deleted User]

poppy12345 said:

[Deleted User] said:

sammyjammy said:

I don't know but I would imagine if the answer is no you don't qualify its because they would say if you need heating over and above the norm then thats what your DLA payment is for.

Although I understand what you say, sammyjammy,  my DLA payments for care and mobility do not  nearly "cover" my supported housing rent/expenses.  

Are you claiming housing benefit for help with your rent? 

Thank you for replying, poppy12345.  My neighbour and I are in similar circumstances (financially) in our Council owned Sheltered/Supported Housing complex.  Have checked several times and always just above the level to be eligible for means tested assistance.

Although no guarantee of success I seem to be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Broader Group, Scotland, meet the required criteria and have applied for that.  If approved the £150 will help although nothing to compare with the former £200 Winter Fuel payment  - I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth because any help is appreciated.  I was eligible for both last year and, like everyone, my fuel costs have gone up since then.

I keep saying it, and it is true, I have much to be thankful for and have very little debt to worry about.

elle_may

My suppler So Energy told me by email that they are applying £150 to my elec account and will be on next bill. This is the warm home discount. Pension, pip, and have council tax support due to  underlying carers allowance. I have not had to apply for this last year and this year.   I won't get pension credit as our joint income is higher. So no winter fuel.